Netanyahu to Address UN General Assembly Amid Enhanced Security in New York
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address the UN General Assembly next week under heavy security. The Wing of Zion aircraft may bypass JFK Airport due to local logistical concerns.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to arrive in New York next week to address the United Nations General Assembly, amid unprecedented security measures. According to security sources, the official "Wing of Zion" state aircraft will not land at JFK Airport this year due to concerns that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani would not permit the aircraft to remain grounded for the duration of the visit.
To ensure the plane can stay on the ground throughout the visit, authorities are considering landing at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey or at a nearby military airfield. The U.S. Secret Service has significantly increased its involvement in securing Netanyahu, providing escorts from landing until departure.
Security and Protests in New York
Netanyahu's visit will coincide with large-scale demonstrations outside his hotel and near the UN headquarters during his speech. Conversely, the local Jewish community is organizing rallies in support of the prime minister.
"Security officials decided that Wing of Zion will not land at JFK Airport this year over concerns regarding ground accommodation for the duration of the trip."
Mayor Mamdani, who previously stated he would arrest Netanyahu before walking back the remark, has encouraged demonstrators to protest. This comes despite Mamdani exercising supervisory oversight over the New York City Police Department (NYPD), which will also participate in securing the delegation.
Schedule and Diplomatic Engagements
Netanyahu is scheduled to arrive in the United States next Wednesday afternoon, with his UN address planned for Thursday at 14:00 local time. Israeli officials are bracing for potential disruptions or walkouts by delegates inside the General Assembly hall.
The prime minister is not expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, who will depart New York before Netanyahu's arrival, though other bilateral meetings with foreign leaders are being planned. Netanyahu is scheduled to depart the U.S. on Thursday night to return to Israel before the onset of the Sukkot holiday. The Prime Minister's Office declined to comment on the security details.
